RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 40
THE WRATH OF KAPILA
The Father of all beings listened to these words of the Celestials. They were out of their wits. “This earth,” said the Father of all beings, “belongs to the Lord Vasudeva. He, like Kapila, supports it for all time. These wicked princes shall be destroyed by his wrath. The destruction of the princes is foreordained.”
The Celestials departed to their abodes. They were happy. And the sons of Sagara created a great uproar. They thus sought above and below. Then they returned back to their father. They said, “Sir, we have searched the entire earth through and through. And we have put to death powerful and mighty beings. They include Gods, Danavas, Rakshasas, Pisachas, Uragas and Kinnaras. But we have not been successful in finding the horse or the thief. We await the further orders.”
At this, Sagara was exceedingly angry. Delve further and yet further. Delve to the innermost limits. Find me out the robber or come back with the thief at any cost!”
Thus they delved the earth further. They delved to the Rasatala. Then they came upon a huge elephant. Its name was Virupaksha. It was supporting the earth on its head. When the mighty elephant shook its head to ease the pain, an earthquake happened. They went round Virupaksha and paid him due worship. Then they pursued their undeviating course. They pierced through Rasatala in the east. Then they turned to the south. There they found another elephant. Its name was Mahapadma. It was supporting the earth on its head. It filled the princes with reverence and amazement. They went around it and pierce through the west. They saw another elephant supporting the earth. Its name was Saumanasa. Him too they reverenced and made kind enquiries. After that, they went to the north. There they found the snow white Bhadra. It was of immense proportions. It bore the earth in that quarter easily. They reverenced the huge animal. Then they pierced yet deeper into the earth. Coming to the northeast they dug deeper yet. They were furious with disappointment. That endowed them superhuman strength and fierce speed.
When, lo! there appeared Kapila. He was the incarnation of the eternal Vasudeva. And hard by was the horse grazing quietly. They were almost beside themselves with joy. They approached the animal with eager hearts. But the sight of the holy Kapila roused them to insensate fury. Because they mistook him for the robber. They flew at the sage, armed with spades and swords. They shouted, “Stop thief! Stop thief! You are the wicked wretch that spirited away the sacrificial horse. The sons of Sagara have come in search of you! The mighty sage flew into a rage. ‘Hum’ he cried. Within a wink of the eye, all the 60000 sons of Sagara vanished. A heap of ashes marked the place where they had stood a moment ago.
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